Leslie's Catch up blog

Hi y'all,
I have not had access to a computer for a few days , so I thought I would try to review some of our "experiences" sine my last entry on sunday.
WEATHER--let me start with this Houston weatjher. The temperature has been (and is expected to stay) in the high 90's and when you factor in thr heat index--it feels like 117!!!!!
Given that--let me tell you about Monday's trip to NASA Johnson space Center. We had an exciting, fun, educational,inspiring 6 hour tour---NOT!!!!!!!
We waited outside for an hour to get on an open air tram ride that was 1 and 1/2 hours in the sun. When we did go into a building it was "87 stairs to"-"-27 stairs to". Stan really did enjoy this.We DID get to be in the exact "Comtrol room" where they are currently monitoring the space shuttle that took off yesterday. We also saw a full scale mock up of a space shuttle----it was (as Fucillo would say)HUGE , at least as big as a football field.(on a side note--the living quarters for the astronauts in space is BIGGER than our apartment.Stan was also excited to try "dippin'dots" for the first time. We got to touch moon rocks and Stan got to touch parts of space ships that had been to outer space and back.
Tuesday----Stan was admitted to the hospital as an in-patient for the next 4 weeks. He had some bloodwork and vitals signs taken in the morning and then went to have his hair shaved. I saved some hair in a baggie. His head, I think feels like Velcro and , in fact, his T shirt got stuck on it when he tried to take his shirt off.
We (he) had been warned that the nurses in the transplant pod did not have a great sense of humor and that he needed to behave himself--I was immediately worried!!!!! Luckily, so far , all his nurses have a good sense of humor and they have said he is a "5 star" patient. So far he has done very well with all the Chemo treatments (I hope this is the way it will be for the next 4 months.)
I was able to pass the "dressing Change" demo, so that will be helpful when Stan gets out of the hospital since I can change his CVC dressing at the apt. if it gets wet or dirty and we won't have to make an extra trip to the hospital for that. ( I am SOOOOO NOT a nursing person though)
Most of Stan's day is spent hooked up to an IV pole with his chemotherapy treatment and he drifts in and out of sleep- when he is awake, he is to do breathing exercises and walk (this is called "roll the pole" in transplant pod slang because patients are hooked up to an IV pole the ENTIRE time they are in the hospital)-I am getting alot of reading done during this time. Also, MDAnderson volunteers pass out little crafts to patients and family to pass the time---little needlepoint magnets or coasters to sew on plastic canvas--I am telling you all this so you will understand when you ALL get these items for Christmas presents!!!! (LOL)
SO, Stan has 2 more days of chemo, he rests on Sunday and Monday, gets radiation Tuesday am and then the actual transplant on Tuesday as well. Then we can start "counting the days"--we really want to be "outta here" by the 100th day!
Just a reminder--Stan CANNOT receive any flowers--he would love to get cards that we can use to decorate his room (room # G1154)
He has a phone in his room too (713)834-9178.
I am hopeful that our laptop will be here by Monday--so keep those emails coming---that is a GREAT way to support both of us. Thank you to all of our friends and family who are supporting us with your good wishes and prayers! We REALLY appreciate it.
Love,
Leslie